Assessment of food habits and dietary intake of rural women

A survey was carried out to assess the health and dietary status of rural women of Shaheed Bhagat Singh District. The data pertaining to background information, food habits and morbidity status were collected through an interview schedule. The results revealed that there was quite lower intake of green leafy vegetables (3.9%), fruits (14.8%), roots, tubers and other vegetables (31.9%), pulses (62.5%), cereals (71.9%) and milk products (72.3%) as compared to Suggested Dietary Guidelines (SDI) by the Indian Council of Medical Research. While the intake of fats and oils (112.9%) was found more than the SDI probably due to wrong feeding habits. The study also revealed that fever, cold, tiredness, headache and loss of appetite was frequently occurring health problems among the respondents, probably due to less intake of food items as suggested. Thus, it can be said that to improve the heath status of the respondents right feeding practices need to be taught through nutritional counseling, trainings, seminars and campaign etc.